Issue 2 Volume 11 November 2016

Photo of the Month

Lindley-Robertson-Holt Funeral Home in Navasota

Grimes County Historical Commission

Meetings of the Grimes County Historical Commission are held on the Second Monday of the Month at 7:00 pm in the Courthouse Annex in Anderson, Texas

Contact Information Joe King Fultz joe@tpfinc.com Visit us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GrimesCountyHistoricalCommission

Grimes County Historical Commission

Executive Board Chairman Joe King Fultz Vice Chairman Vacant Secretary Vanessa Burzynski Treasurer Joe King Fultz

COMMITTEES Historical Markers Denise Upchurch Historic Preservation Sarah Nash Newsletter & Publicity

Vanessa Burzynski

PAGE 2 GRIMES COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2016

Houston Post, March 16, 1908 Navasota Pledged to Wynne Many Sign His Support Without Particular Solicitation. NAVASOTA, TX – March 15 - The Following petition was hastily gotten up and no attempt was made to make a thorough canvass. There is doubtless many more who will wish to sign it. Whereas, that old, true and tried ex-Confederate soldier, Richard Wynne, of Fort Worth, has always been first and foremost in every and all laudable undertakings for the best interests of the people of Texas, a true and tried democrat, and a loyal Confederate soldier, and whom we believe to be well fitted and eminently qualified to fill the position of attorney general of Texas, and who has at all times and in trying conditions stood by the majority and the will of the democrats of this great State, and when the will of his people had been spoken through its State convention, he as a true democrat, loyally obeyed the behests of the majority therefore, be it Resolved, that we the undersigned citizens of Navasota, Grimes County, Texas, do hereby pledge ourselves to support him for the high position of attorney general of Texas, and to use all honorable means to secure his nomination and election. The petition is signed by A. F. Brigance, E. A. Scott, M. L. Lindley, C. P. Spann, H. A. Jacobs, S. W. Glass, J. E. Farquhar, R. A. Horlock, Ed. F. Blackshear, C. V. Vaughan, S. S. Cohen, T. W. Wilson, T. O. Daniel, M. Marks, A. A. Chjnski, John A. McKay, George S. Wood, W. E. Wilson, C. E. Kelley, W. H. Barry, J. H. Lee, E. A. Harris, L. B. Pierce, J. W. Leake, W. B. Wesson, R. K. Lockett, W. L. Steele, Will Heil, H. B. Barry, H. L. Lewis, Goree Wood, E. P. Mickelborough, I. Y Chinski, J. D. Driscoll, Green A. Wood, , D. P. Throop, W. E. Barry, John Wiley, J. T. Barry, Willie Farquhar, S. Keller, J. Werner, M. B. Allen, O. H. Riesto, John L. Francklow, R. H. Young, J. E. Semple, B. G. Kelley, J. M. Ackerman, J. F. Martin, W. C. Mobley, W. M. Whitcomb, C. H. Holman, R. Moore, Jim Quinn, H. E. Terrell, W. E. Sapp, J. E. Cuthrell, J. W. Brosig, Gus Miller, R. J. Terrell, W. B. Loftin, E. H. Terrell, O. Glesecke, F. L. Herbert, R. A. Sangster, C. C. Franklow, E. Watkins, H. H. Knox, E. K. Howard, Shields Norwood, Charles E. Henry, J. D. Leake.

The Bryan Eagle, October 26, 1911 Horrible Death of an Old Negro Wilbert Williams, an aged and half-blind Negro man, was burned to death last night at 2 o’clock in his cabin near Taylor town, in the eastern portion of the city. The old Negro was partially demented and it is thought the fire originated from his careless use of the old chimney. His legs were completely consumed and it was necessary to use a rake to secure his trunk and head from the embers this morning. His remains were turned over to the Lindley undertaking establishment, interment being made this afternoon in the colored cemetery – Navasota Examiner-Review

The Bryan Eagle, March 27, 1890 The following from the last issue of the Navasota Tablet is as applicable to Brazos as it is to Grimes County; but unfortunately for both, “close connection and kinship with the black belt” seems to be our doom, since the black element seems to be on top, politically in both counties. The Tablet says: “The next legislature will have important work before it, and of not the least importance will be the redistricting of the state into congressional, senatorial, and legislative districts under the new census. Now as it happens that Grimes County does not want to be thrown in the discard pile at the next deal, nor be the only high card in a hand, it behooves us to be very careful about whom we sent to represent us in the State Senate and House. We do not want to be the tail of a snake-like congressional district, nor the apex of a senatorial district as crooked as a dog’s hind leg. Neither does Grimes want close connection or kinship with the black belt. So we must be careful to select men whose craniums consist of scalp, skull and brains.”

The Bryan Eagle, May 15, 1890 The Bryan Eagle accuses the Navasota Tablet of inconsistency. The Tablet man wants to put a Bryan man on the track for congress and at the same time the Bryan man is not ‘hankering” for the position. The Eagle does not say as much, but the inference is that it is satisfied with Charley Stewart, the present incumbent. – Rockdale Messenger.

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The Bryan Eagle, August 7, 1890 Grimes County! Important News Pertaining Thereto Anderson Notes Judge L. R. Wren opened the returns in the court house contest between Anderson and Navasota and as shown by statement below, Anderson gained a handsome majority: Anderson Precinct 1 ............................. 1024 Precinct 2 ............................. 180 Precinct 4 ............................. 64 Precinct 5 ............................. 32 Precinct 7 ............................. 205 Precinct 8 ............................. 161 Precinct 9 ............................. 50 Total ..................................... 1775 Navasota Precinct 1 ............................. 17 Precinct 2 ............................. 42 Precinct 4 ............................. 351 Precinct 5 ............................. 172 Precinct 6 ............................. 372 Precinct 7 ............................. 22 Precinct 8 ............................. 45 Precinct 9 ............................. 45 Total ..................................... 1066 Anderson vote ...................... 1775 Navasota vote ....................... 1066 Anderson Majority ................ 709 This vote was counted on the 1st of August. The Navasota box was not counted, as returns shows 5017 votes, when the whole county don’t vote that much.

The Galveston Daily News – December 18, 1891 Grimes County New Courthouse Anderson, Tex. Dec 16 – A called term of commissioner’s court has been called for the 10th instant for the purpose of receiving the new courthouse from the contractors.

Iola Resolutions We, the voters of Precinct No. 2, Grimes County, Texas, in assembly met at Iola, to express our views upon the fraud that was practiced by some of the people of Navasota in the recent election, the contest being between Navasota and Anderson. On motion, F. W. Magee was elected to the chair and R. T. Wilson, secretary, House called to order by the chair and the object of the meeting announced. On motion, the chair appointed a committee of six to draft resolutions denouncing the action of the officers and managers and perpetrators of the fraud in the recent election. T. J. Darby, John Sullock, S. V. Smith, J. A. Zuber, G. P. Isbell and J. S. Wren, were appointed. Report read and adopted. On motion, resolved that a copy of these resolutions be sent to the Texas Farmer and Bryan Eagle for publication, and one copy to the county judge of Grimes County; and further resolved that we discontine the Tablet, a sheet printed at Navasota, Texas and those who are in arrears will pay up and drop the same.

Report of Committee We, your committee to draft resolutions condemning the action of Navasota in the fraudulent manner in which the election held on the court house, was conducted, beg leave to submit the following report. Resolved, that we condemn the actions of the officers of the election and all other participants practicing the fraud as represented to us. And further, that we hope the good citizens of Grimes County will sustain Judge L. R. Wren in throwing out all fraudulent votes polled on the 21st day of July and further, that Judge N. G. Kittrell be requested to call the grand jury together for the purpose of investigating this matter and further, that a true copy of these, be sent to the Texas Farmer and Bryan Eagle for publication, and one copy to Judge L. R. Wren. (Signed) S. V. Smith, J. H. Sullock, T. J. Daray, G. P. Isbell, J. S. Wren, J. A. Zuber, Committee.

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Pine Grove, Grimes County, Texas – July 23, 1890 We the citizens of Pine Grove community, in mass meeting assembled, have met for the purpose of expressing our indignation at the manner in which our county has been outraged and disgraced by Navasota, or a part of her citizens, in our court house contest on the 21st of July 1890. Resolved 1st. That while we know that there are some good citizens in said Navasota, we know that they are powerless and we sympathize with them. 2nd - That they lowered the standard of American manhood by erecting a cattle chute for free men to vote through. 3rd – That they violated the law in not letting our Anderson man inside to see a fair ballot and fair count. 4th – That they outraged and disgraced Grimes County by importing negroes from other counties and constantly repeating same to vote down the choice of their fellow citizens. 5th – That we denounce it as one of the grandest pieces of villainy that was ever perpetrated upon a free people to say nothing of the days of dark Radical reconstruction, or the contemplated election bill. 6th - That while Navasota has never polled 1000 votes before, we know her vote – four or five thousand, is a fraud upon its face. 7th – That we, as peaceable, law abiding citizens, are going to try all legal means to adjust our wrongs, then if we fail we will resort to what our forefathers did, to protect our free ballot, our homes and firesides, and furthermore, we condemn the action of T. P. Maddox, the editor of the Navasota Tablet, and others, in leading negro mobs from other counties to the polls to defeat the choice of good citizens of Grimes County. 8th – That if the people of Navasota insist on their fraudulent vote being counted we will withdraw our trade from there and patronize other points, and ask all good citizens of Grimes County to join us. 9th – That copies of these resolutions be sent to the Galveston News and Houston Post and request them to publish same. C. D. Uzzle R. W. Jeter Erastus Parks L. C. Peacock, R. W. Jeter, Sec.

The Galveston Daily News (August 5, 1890) Anderson – Something about the County Seat Election in Grimes County Anderson, Tex. – Aug. 1 – County Judge L. R. Wren proceeded yesterday to count the vote cast in the county site contest in this county on the 21st ultima. The courthouse was burned May 15. The burning was evidently the act of an incendiary. Immediately after the burning the people of Navasota made the requisite application and placed their town in nomination for the county seat and offered a bonus of $20,000 to build a courthouse at that place. Anderson, being centrally located it was obvious from the beginning that the required two thirds of the votes could not be polled for removal of the county seat. The vote of the county heretofore has never exceeded 3814. Of that number Anderson precinct alone cast 1020 and Navasota 945, but on this occasion, Navasota, by the help of two lines of railroad, cast over 5000 votes. A hovel of indignation went up from the good people of all parts of the county at the manner in which the election at Navasota was conducted and protested against the returns from that place being estimated. The returns were properly excluded and Anderson declared duly elected the county seat of Grimes County. The action of the court gives general satisfaction and the people all over the county are jubilating today in consequence thereof. Much bitterness of fueling has been engendered. Over 1500 people were present here today from all north and east Grimes.

The Galveston Daily News – July 10, 1890 Grimes County Court House Roans Prairie, Tex. July 9 – At the last meeting of the Hogg democratic club among the resolutions passed were the following: That we are in favor of the courthouse being rebuilt in Anderson and shall use our influence in that direction. That we denounce the step that Navasota is taking to secure the court-house. That we are opposed to the appropriation of $40,000 for a new court-house as recommended by commissioner’s court, when $15,000 or $20,000 is sufficient, considering the basement and insurance we have. Resolved further that we furnish a copy of these resolutions to the Tablet and Galveston News for publication.

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The Galveston Daily News – August 14, 1890 The Second Chapter The Old Fight Between Navasota and Anderson Reopened. NAVSOTA, TEX. Aug 13 – Everything seems to point to Navasota as the future county seat of Grimes County, although Anderson has claimed to have won in the election. This spring the court house at Anderson was burned. There was sent a petition signed by about 500 voters asking that an election be held to determine whether the court house should be removed to Navasota or not. All but about 140 names were stricken out by the county judge, it being claimed that the signers were not property holders. A second petition was sent up to Anderson, and an election was ordered for July 21. Immediately there was begun the fiercest campaign ever known in this county. In which every possible method was used by the rival towns to gain adherents. On Election Day here were over 5000 votes polled in Navasota, and the friends of Anderson claimed the bulk of the voters imported. At Anderson were polled 1042 votes, of which Navasota received 17, but Navasota claims that there were over 200 votes cast there for Navasota. When it came to canvassing the votes of the different precincts County Judge L. R. Wren ignored the Navasota box. The attorneys of Navasota were on band with a mandamus, issued from Judge Masterson’s court at Houston, which was to compel the county judge to issue a certificate to the town receiving the most votes, this was turned over to the district clerk and disappeared very mysteriously and was not found again until a certificate had been issued to Anderson. Yesterday, a mandamus was served on the county commissioners to compel them to give Navasota a certificate, which they did. Today the matter stands with both towns with certificates, but everyone thinks Navasota’s chances are better now than ever.

The Lynching of a Negro in Grimes County

NAVASOTA, TEX. – Aug. 4 1890 Jno. Brown, colored, who was charged with raping a young lady near Iola, was brought to Anderson Sunday night by Sheriff Scott, and early Monday morning at least 500 men came into town from North Grimes and demanded the criminal. Scott refused to give him up, but he was soon found and taken two miles from town and strung up. The black hearted villain confessed that he had been trying for three weeks to accomplish his fiendish purpose and acknowledged that he ought to die. Everything passed off quietly - not a drunk man being present to break into or disturb the jubilee. He was granted time to prepare for the other world, which he did, saying he was forgiven and ready to go. About 3:00 pm today citizens in Anderson took John Brown, a Negro, out of jail and swung him to a tree and then shot his body full of holes. He was charged with rape on a white girl in this county. The sheriff returned with him from Houston last night where he had been in jail for safe keeping. He was hidden by the sheriff when found. The Negro confessed his guilt before he died.

The Galveston Daily News – August 14, 1890

Ended in Blood The Impertinence of Negro Women Leads to Probably a Fatal Affray NAVASOTA, TEX Aug 13 – Last Sunday Mrs. John Gordon and her sister were walking along the road near their homes on Wallace Prairie. They were met by three or four Negro women who pushed them out of the road and abused them. As soon as Mrs. Brown arrived home she reported the facts to her husband, who immediately went, with a couple of friends, and whipped the Negresses. Next day the father of the Negro girls sought to take up the quarrel with John Gordon and others and started into his house. It is supposed for his gun, when Gordon shot him, from the effects of which it is expected he cannot live.

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BOONE, HANNIBAL HONESTUS (1834–1897). Hannibal Honestus (Honostus) Boone, lawyer, Confederate Army officer, and Texas attorney general, one of two sons of Joseph Green(e) and Harriet N. (Latham) Boone, was born in Tipton County, Tennessee, on February 24, 1834. By 1842 the family had moved to De Soto County, Mississippi. In 1852, after his mother's death, Boone's family moved to a site in Austin (now in Waller) County, Texas. Boone attended Mountain Academy in Tipton County, Tennessee. He then studied law at Austin College in Huntsville, Texas. He quit school four months before graduation when his father became ill, but he did eventually obtain his license to practice law. For the next four years Boone managed his father's plantation; in 1859 he began his legal practice at Hempstead. Sometime before December 1861 he married Harriet Rebecca Fullinwieder, with whom he had one daughter. In February 1861 Boone enlisted as a private in Col. John S. Ford's regiment of the Confederate Army and served for a time on the Rio Grande frontier. Upon his return from that campaign, he enlisted in Capt. W. A. McDade's company, with which he served at Dickinson's Bayou and around Galveston. On July 4, 1862, he left Hempstead for Louisiana with five companies under Maj. Edwin Waller. Though he entered Waller's unit as a second lieutenant, he was shortly promoted to major and with Waller's Thirteenth Texas Cavalry was attached to Green's (formerly Sibley's) Brigade, with which he saw action along the Louisiana-Texas-Arkansas border. As Waller's executive officer Major Boone led Waller's Thirteenth Texas Cavalry Battalion (which became Waller's Cavalry Regiment around December 1864) in the commander's absence. Boone was wounded on September 29, 1863, at Fordoche, Louisiana, and lost his right arm and the first two fingers and thumb of his left hand. He was subsequently transferred back to Texas, where he served post duty under Gen. John Bankhead Magruder, commander of the Department of Texas, for the remainder of the war. Boone became engaged to Susan H. Gordon in 1863, and they were married in November of that year. After the war they moved to Anderson, Texas, where Boone practiced law in partnership with Isham G. Searcy. Boone was elected attorney general of Texas on the Democratic ticket in 1876 and served one term. When that ended in 1878, he moved to Navasota and resumed his law practice.

He organized one of the first camps of Confederate veterans there and was elected commander of the Division of Texas at the reunion of the United Confederate Veterans in May 1895. Boone and his wife had a large number of children. He continued to practice law in Navasota until his death there, on May 23, 1897. BIBLIOGRAPHY: E. L. Blair, Early History of Grimes County (Austin, 1930). Hannibal Honestus Boone Papers, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin. John Henry Brown, Indian Wars and Pioneers of Texas (Austin: Daniell, 1880; reprod., Easley, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, 1978). Norman Kittrell, Governors Who Have Been and Other Public Men of Texas (Houston: Dealy-Adey-Elgin, 1921). Charles Spurlin, comp., West of the Mississippi with Waller's 13th Texas Cavalry Battalion (Waco: Texian Press, 1971).

Hannibal H. Boone

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THE BOONE BOOM

The Galveston Daily News , June 29, 1886 A Hearty Sendoff for the Navasota Veteran A Reminiscence of The Galveston Convention of 1875. Huntsville, Tex., June 27, 1886 – I was a delegate from this county to the State convention that met in Galveston in 1875 to nominate a governor and other state officers. And when the nomination of attorney general was announced, Major Walton and two others were named, and nearly everyone supposed the nominations closed, when Major Littlefield of Bryan, an old war veteran, and without making any remarks, placed the name of Major Hannibal Boone of Navasota for that position. Silence pervaded that vast assemblage; the mention of his name had electrified the body; in a few moments whisperings began, the old soldier element was nervous and agitated, and soon a general cry went up for Boone! Where is Boone? Bring him before this convention. A committee of his friends was appointed to find him as he was not present and only a few present knew that he would be a candidate. Major Walton received a majority which proved to be complimentary. The excitement was increasing and the true and tried soldiers there stood trembling and unnerved. It was announced by the committee who had been sent to find him that he had been found at his hotel and was now present. When Major Boone appeared upon the platform and stood beside the venerable chairman the cheering was loud and lasted long, the wildest enthusiasm prevailing. Some delegate said “We will excuse you from speaking; we want to look at you and we are satisfied.” The ladies, taking up the refrain, showed their approval and appreciation of the heroic soldier as they stood up, thrilled with delight, cheering heartily and waving their handkerchiefs. Major Walton came forward gracefully and eloquently withdrew in favor of Major Boone, and so did the other nominees. Now this high toned and honorable gentleman will soon come before the people of the First Congressional district as a candidate for nomination to Congress, and those who have never met him will see one, although maimed from the effects of war, yet brilliant in intellect and one who has been true to his colors. There are some voters in my country who think Major Boone will not create any enthusiasm or get many votes at the next Congressional convention. But the old soldiers ever ready to honor and revere heroism whenever and wherever they see it, will be there, and the ladies ardent admirers of chivalry and gallantry, will be there; and you may expect a scene similar to the one of 1875 enacted. I believe I

know the feeling of an old confederate soldier, and that feeling is to love, cherish and honor their heroes of the late war. I do not believe our Creator would have us to change it and it will linger in our bosoms until our spirits shall have passed away from earth. Major Boone will soon “cross lance” with Colonel Stewart and I ask the voters of this county and district a kind consideration for him – see him and hear him before they decide upon their ballots.

The Bryan Eagle, May 25, 1897 General Boone Dead NAVASOTA, TEX., May 24 – Gen. Hannibal H. Boone died Sunday from an attack of uremia after an illness of two days, aged 61 years. Gen. Boone was born in Tennessee and raised in Waller County. He was attorney general of Texas during Coke’s second administration, and distinguished himself for his services in the celebrated land grabbing cases. He declined to become a candidate for reelection and retired to private life at Navasota. He was major general of the United Confederate Veterans department of Texas

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SEARCY, ISHAM GREEN (1824–1902). Isham Green Searcy, lawyer, soldier, and public official, was born in Rutherford County, Tennessee, on February 24, 1824. He was educated in Tennessee, moved to Texas in his twenties, studied law, and opened a law practice at Anderson in Grimes County by 1853. He married Julia Womack Baker, probably before coming to Texas. They had three children. During the Civil War he was a first lieutenant in Company D, Eighth Texas Infantry. His gradually increasing property included nine slaves by 1864. In 1869 he and his wife Julia were listed on Grimes County tax rolls as owners of more than 2,000 acres of land and an estate valued at more than $11,000. Searcy was secretary of state under Governor Richard B. Hubbard, 1876–79, served on the penitentiary commission under Governor John Ireland from 1883 to 1885, and was collector of internal revenue for the Third District of Texas from 1884 to 1885. He spent his last years at Rosebud but died at Austin on April 23, 1902. He was buried in the capital at the State Cemetery. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Austin Statesman, April 24, 1902. C. W. Raines, Year Book for Texas (2 vols., Austin: Gammel-Statesman, 1902, 1903).

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Col. Charles Waters Stewart It was a feast for a “surprise” celebration that August 8, 1922 at Hatfield Park for Adrianna Peeples Stewart. As Senator H. L. Lewis paid ardent respects with toast and speech. “Nannie” recorded later that she became totally enveloped in a life wave of nostalgic memories. A Confederate Cavalryman, wounded at the Battle of Culpepper, Col. Charles Waters Stewart captivated the heart of the “Seven Sister” with his adventure stories of early Texas. When the war terminated the two were married on her family’s South Carolina plantation. Aunt Nina was a Christmas baby present in 1867 and a year later the family removed to his native land, Montgomery, Texas. Another daughter Rosa Louise and a son were born on Texas soil. The first born of Dr. Charles Bellinger Stewart in 1837, Charles Waters pioneered nine years in the Republic of Texas. Sam Houston presented the lad with a pair of oversized leather hip boots adorned with hand carved stars, a gesture of gratitude fondly extended to Dr. Stewart who had drafted the Lone Star Flag. The boots were stolen by Yankee soldiers. With his family well established in the 1870’s and 80’s Charles Waters farmed, served Montgomery County as Tax Collector for 16 years and Treasurer for two years. Seeking greener pastures, in March of 1890 the family moved into their newly constructed house at 808 LaSalle in Navasota. In October of that year Cupid conquered Rosa and George Conoly in a brilliant ceremony presided over by the Rev. J. M. Wesson in the old Baptist Church. From this union, Anna, a sister and brother were born. The untimely death of the handsome C. W. Jr. in 1896 shocked the family and stunned the entire city; a tragedy his father could never accept. Though Navasota was considered to be a boisterous playground, “Uncle Charley” as he was affectionately called, soon plunged himself into the political arena, serving the public interests as Alderman and Mayor. During his term as Mayor, beginning in 1902, the old City Hall was constructed and thereafter remembered as a “monument” to his untiring energy and devotion to the cause of Civic improvement.

He ordered the Seth Tower Hall clock, blessed by all voices, when sadness prevailed, but one that often times bonged a message of admonishment to night owls. Clothed with firm instructions to have saloon doors barred on Sundays, Col. Stewart informed proprietors not to force him to any “dark lantern” or “Underhanded method” to obtain evidence that would incriminate them and thereby cause trouble; stern warnings that fell on deaf ears. Col. Stewart numbered with the Hannibal Boone Camp UCV and was buried in 1907 under the auspices of Navasota Lodge No. 299. Rosa and George Conoly died within a ten-year period following the Colonel’s death. Nannie, left with only one daughter, Nina, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, remembered it all as she graciously accepted felicitations on her 80th birthday. Three years later she died and now rests beside her husband in Oakland Cemetery where they reminisced in a spirit of togetherness. Written by Mrs. Marion T. (Virginia Lindley) Ford

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Oberkampf Drug Store Located on Court House Square in Anderson, and within the shadow of that august and regal building, Oberkampf Drug Store remains a center of much of the activity and social life of visitors to downtown Anderson. The days when customers tied their horses to the rings still embedded in the walks, or hitched their wagons and buggies to the rails may have slipped into the past, but the drug store essentially is the same. Tracing the ownership back to the days of John LaPrelle and his family is a little difficult, but we do know the next owner was J. R. Howell who operated the store for a number of years from its location in the Odd Fellows Building. It was in 1901 that a young pharmacist in New Braunfels, Texas saw an advertisement stating a drug store in Anderson, Texas could be bought. This young man, August Oberkampf, had recently obtained his credentials as a druggist and was looking for such a store and as he was otherwise employed at the time, he asked his father to take a look at the store which was for sale, the town in which it is located and the general area. Oberkampf’s father reported back to his son that he was very favorably impressed with the prospects of the store the town and the area in general, where upon young Oberkampf headed for Anderson. According to available records, he arrived in Anderson, made a deal with Mr. Howell and was taking inventory before lunch the same day. There followed a time of prosperity for Anderson, as well as for Oberkampf’s. A band was established, a new hardware store was opened, as was a new cotton gin. Further, a school district was formed and a new school building built. At this juncture, Oberkampf began looking for a new and larger building for the Drug Store, as he by then had been in the Odd Fellows Building eleven years and was beginning to feel the pinch of being crowded. He then bought some lots a few hundred feet north and built a suitable building into which he moved the store in 1910. In the new premises, with a long soda fountain and impressive back-bar as well as all new merchandise cases, he prospered to an even greater extent, allowing him to become involved in his favorite sport, baseball, and his favorite avocation, Anderson and Texas History. Right up to the time of death in 1949 he remained active in both spheres and he left an indelible mark on his adopted town.

Long before his death he had been joined in the business by his wife Edna, and his daughter Marguerite Oberkampf Jopling. Mrs. Edna Oberkampf worked in the drug store until her death in 1958. Marguerite had previously entered the University of Houston and obtained a degree in Pharmacy, therefore, was able to handle all aspects of the drug store business until illness and subsequent retirement caused the closing of the store. The store was closed for a considerable period of time when a decision was being made that it should be dismantled and the proceeds from the sale of fixtures, the fountain and supplies used for other purposes. It was while final sales plans were bieng made that Duane Prestwood happened to walk past the open drug store door and learned of the pending plans. That afternoon Prestwood and his wife owned the Drug Store, deciding without further delay that an entity with so much character and historical significance should remain an integral part of the operating history of Anderson and Grimes County. Therefore, it is now the Oberkampf-Prestonwood Drug Store, but it looks the same as it did in 1910 when it opened in its new location, after having spent a respectable fifty or sixty years just down the street. After all, 130 years is not very long in Anderson. Written by Duane Prestwood (The Drugstore is now owned by Raul Molina) August Oberkampf was born to Gottlieb and Dorothea (Rheinlander) Oberkampf on November 29, 1876 and died on February 25, 1949 and is buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Anderson, Texas. His wife Edna Smith Oberkampf was born to Joel T. Smith and Susan Cornelia (Brown) Smith on June 6, 1877 in Anderson, Grimes County Texas and died on January 19, 1958 in Navasota, Grimes County, Texas and his buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Anderson, Texas.

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Anderson Hotel

The Bryan Eagle, February 21, 1971 By Dave Mayes Anderson – A single plank, warped and white, clings precariously above a rickety porch and proclaims in bold black letters “Anderson Hotel”. And the impression registers very quickly that yes indeed, there is room in the inn, and this has been so for quite some time. Thumping footsteps on the porch planking don’t seem to disturb the slumbering overstuffed chairs hunched down on either side of the hotel door. The door is plain and chalky white and opens rather quietly into a small lobby. To the right is a box like registration desk and beside it is the old hotel guest book, a massive yellowed volume left open to a blank page. Against the wall facing the door is an upright organ and in the far corner next to a knee-high wood stove is an old record player, a “Columbia Grafonola”. One hit from the modest collection of chipped records is “Land Where We’ll Never Grow Old” sung by the Jenkins Family on an Okeh label. Dominating the center of the room and looking out of place is a makeshift table of three long heavy boards. Straight ahead through a broken down door is the dining room – kitchen, and a three-board table is there also, flanked on one wall by a mountain-and-trees mural done by someone in ’68. Across the room is a window that looks out at the hotel’s massive cistern, a bridge igloo with a circular chimney. To the right through the kitchen is what seems like another dining room, only the table here is more conventional and looks like furniture. The door to the parlor is on the right. There stuffed chairs and rocking chairs crowd around another plank table. Against one wall is a piano, its keys worn to the wood. A staircase in the lobby leads to the second floor and seven numbered guest rooms. Each room has a rumpled bed and at least one old wooden dresser. Several of the bureaus are the type that has the oval mirror set left of center to allow space for a built-in towel rack. No towels are hanging up, however, although in one room there is a porcelain wash basin and pitcher. All seven chambers open to a central hallway, which focuses on a single small bathroom at one end. One of the rooms has two doors and is much larger than the others. Perhaps it was once a bridal

suite, but the only cooing there now comes from the doves that roost above the ceiling in the rafters. A door at the top of the stairs can be unlatched by turning a nail to step out on the breezy second-floor balcony. Those who dare approach the edge of the groaning platform can get a clear view of most anything that goes on in downtown Anderson, all the way up to the courthouse at the end of the street. But now, only a pair of tired rocking chairs shares the view, nodding amiably with the wind.

Proprietress of this cathedral of the past is soft-spoken Miss Marguerite Oberkampf, Anderson’s pharmacist. The lady whose main occupation is running Oberkampf’s Drugs is quick to point out that the town has other hotels that are more famous. There is the well-known Fanthorp Inn, she says which was the first built in town and has been the host of numerous Presidents and dignitaries. Others are the Preston House and Reed’s Hotel. The Anderson Hotel, however, is the only one that has remained a hotel, while the others have been restored to houses.

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Miss Oberkampf hasn’t rented rooms regularly in the hotel for some 10 years but sometimes she relents she says, if someone doesn’t have anywhere else to go. The building has been with the family for generations, ever since her grandfather, a Civil War veteran named Joel T. Smith, bought the hotel back in 1885. “I don’t know how old the hotel is, but I feel sure it must be more than 100 years old”, Miss Oberkampf notes. She recalls that her grandfather did pretty well in the hotel business. “This being the county seat”, she said, “people were always coming into town to do business at the courthouse.” People often had to come in town over long distances and over poor roads, she said, so they usually planned to stay the night. She remembers her grandfather had a little building at the side of the hotel for drummers (traveling salesmen) to use as a sample room to display their wares to customers. “We used to charge a dolloar or two for persons spending the night”, she said. Guests were summoned to meals with a big dinner bell and served at a long table family style. Cooking, Miss Oberkampf recalls, was done on a nine-foot long cast iron wood burning stove in a “sort of a precious kitchen” then located in a small building attached to the back of the hotel. Miss Oberkampf has had charge of the hotel for 10 years now and says she wishes something could be done to keep the old building from deteriorating further. But though the old rooms are no longer rented, the hotel does spring to life once again each year on the third Saturday in April. “That’s when we have the Texas Trek,” she said, noting that it is an annual tour of old historic homes and landmarks between Anderson and Montgomery in neighboring Montgomery County. As many as 5,000 tourists participate in the day-long affair, and many of them stop by the Anderson Hotel for an old-fashioned dinner of ham and turkey. We still have the long tables set up in there from last year, she said. Miss Oberkampf says she would like to see the old hotel restored, or even built back up as a business. “People stop in here all the time, and there is no place to stay,” she said. “If only the hotel were cleaned up and straighten up a little, I think they would be happy to stay there.” The hotel is now owned by Joseph Gust.

The Bryan Eagle March 19, 1978 Historic Anderson Welcomes visitors on Annual Texas Trek by Chuck House, Staff Writer Anderson – There wasn’t a cloud in the sky Saturday as hundreds of visitors strolled around the small but historic community of Anderson. They walked up and down the main street, snapped photographs of their children and friends, or bought barbequed sandwiches from street vendors. Saturday was the first day in Anderson’s annual home celebration, Texas Trek, and interested parties drove up from Houston and down from Dallas. One party arrived from Alta. British Columbia. Anderson, once a thriving community when Texas was a republic, had lately declined. The old homes became vacant and began to fall apart. Businesses perished and young residents moved away. Anderson was a shell of itself and until a few years ago, was just a picturesque old village off of the beaten path. But before the old homes collapsed completely people began to realize that Anderson’s past – or at least structures which could represent it – should not be allowed to slide into oblivion. Since then many of the old homes have been restored, and residents began to take an interest in the town’s salvation. Texas Trek now in its’ 22nd year is an effort to parlay that interest or even affection into a good time. The main attractions, of course, are the old homes or the old courthouse, lined with photographs of former county employees. People climbed up its steps and gazed down the old main street at others who had come to have a look at the old town. Beer stands offered sanctuary from the heat. “I’m 84 years old and I’ve never seen ‘em sell beer on the streets before,” one man noted. “This is the first time.” Others who sold porcelain pitchers and pure white knick-knacks from a table on the curb took umbrage in lawn chairs by the side of the Maxi-van. Oberkampf’s Drug Store adorned with rust and iron gargoyles, offered free lemonade, popcorn and a display of old-time medication. “Rub-My-Tism antiseptic”, Dr. Hobson’s Vegetable Prescription”, “Halls Catarrh Medicine” lined shelves behind the old store’s marble soda fountain. How long has the store been in operation? “Forever”, the girl at the counter said.

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While adults toured the old Preston Hotel or the Harris-Martin home (built before the civil war), children rode around the square in a donkey-towed wagon. County Commissioner Walter Borski handled the reins. Other activities – all within walking distance of the old courthouse – attracted spectators who drifted in and out. A quilting bee in Bay House, for instance, or the Steinhagen log cabin, furnished visitors with a glimpse into the past. Twenty-one homes, churches, stores and other historic buildings were open to the public. One of the homes used to be the Preston Hotel, now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Emory Bay. A long time ago the hotel, one of several in Anderson, used to board those who had court appearances. Before the automobile, Bedias and Singleton were a long way off. Anderson has been the Grimes County seat for many years. The Bays open their home two days a year for the Trek, guiding visitors through the elegant parlor, pointing out antiques, and briefly describing the hotel’s past. Mr. and Mrs. Olin Cable of Houston own the Harris-Martin home, and although it is not completely restored, opened the doors this year for the Trek. The home was built in 1848 and allows visitors to have a leisurely look at ante-bellum techniques of construction. Generally the owners gracefully and amiably open their homes for the visitors chatting with the chatters and answering questions of the curious. Sunday is the big day for Anderson, however. The Trek today features a parade, a gospel singing concert, hay rides, beer and of course the tours.

Old Masonic Lodge in Anderson

Oberkampf Drugstore

Old Anderson Hotel

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Lindley-Robertson-Holt Funeral Home

The Lindley name is not a new one in Navasota or the funeral service industry. There are many people who remember Mack Lindley and his horse-drawn hearse serving the people of Navasota and Grimes County. At that time, he operated a livery stable and an undertaking establishment located on the present main street of Navasota (Washington Ave.). Henry Lindley, the son of Mack Lindley, became an embalmer in 1912. He was associated with his father until Mack sold his business in 1917. Henry continued to work for other funeral homes until 1928 when he established Lindley Funeral Home. It was in February 1950 that Henry took in Malcolm Robertson as a business partner. After the sudden death of Henry Lindley in March of 1950, Malcolm and Pearl Louise Meekins Robertson purchased the funeral home from Henry's widow, Anna Conoley Lindley. In 1954 Pearl began her apprenticeship in the funeral home alongside Malcolm and received her funeral director's license in 1955. Malcolm died suddenly in 1979, and Pearl continued to operate the funeral home until December of 1987 when Grant Holt purchased the funeral home.

Born and raised in Houston (Spring Branch), Grant moved to Plantersville in 1972 with his parents, Pat and Robert Holt. When doing some research, he discovered that he is the 7th generation of his family to live in Grimes County. A 1974 graduate of Navasota High School, Grant discovered his calling to be a funeral director by attending a career night at Brenham High School his senior year. A 1976 graduate of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston, he has been a licensed funeral director/embalmer for over 33 years. He began his career at Pat H. Foley & Co. and after graduating from Commonwealth, went to work at Waltrip Funeral Directors and later Geo. H. Lewis & Sons. In 1980 he took a leave from the funeral business and worked at GMAC for 7 years where he met his wife of 21 years, JoAnn Schrimpf who he married in October of 1989. Longing to get back to serving families in their most desperate hour, it was in September of 1987 that Grant returned to Navasota to work for Lindley-Robertson Funeral Home. In September of 1987 he returned to Navasota and the funeral industry as the funeral director in charge at Lindley-Robertson Funeral Home. In December of 1987 he purchased the funeral home from Pearl Louise Robertson, and added his name, which is now Lindley-Robertson-Holt Funeral Home.

JoAnn took early retirement from GMAC and went to Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science and became a funeral director in August of 1999. Together, they continued the tradition of the Lindley and Robertson families serving the families of Navasota, Grimes County and the surrounding area as a true family owned and operated funeral home. Grant believes that in order to be a part of the community in which you live, you must be active in that community. He has served on many boards such as the Grimes-St. Joseph Health Center Governance Council, The American Cancer Society, Grimes Unit, Navasota Young Life and many others. He currently serves on the Navasota Theatre Alliance, St. Joseph Foundation Board, Grimes County Minister's Fellowship and the Knights of Columbus. He also serves on the Navasota City Council as Mayor Pro Tem. Grant is a member of Christ Our Light Catholic Church where he serves as a Permanent Deacon and serves part time at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Anderson. In his spare time he enjoys acting in the community theatre, classic cars, cooking, skiing and spending time with family. Families serving families since 1898, Lindley-Robertson-Holt Funeral Home, located at 815 S. LaSalle since 1930, continues to serve the families of Grimes County and surrounding areas with the same dedication and respect started by the Lindley family and passed on to Malcolm and Pearl Robertson and now continued by Grant and JoAnn Holt. Lindley-Robertson-Holt Funeral Home, offering a home like setting to the families we are honored to serve.

Grant Holt

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RETREAT, TEXAS (Grimes County). Retreat is a tiny rural community located near the junction of Farm roads 362 and 2 about eleven miles southeast of Navasota in southern Grimes County. This community began about 1851 with the establishment of the Houston-Retreat-Anderson-Springfield stagecoach line. A stagecoach stop, located about two miles east of Groce's Retreat, the former home of Jared E. Groce, took its name from that historic plantation. The McAlpine family owned sizeable landholdings in this area, which included a large section of territory known as Wallace Prairie. A post office was established at the new town of Retreat in 1851, and Josiah W. Ogden served as the first postmaster. Pioneers in the 1850s included the Wallace, White, Weaver, and McAlpine families. By the 1860s, with the operation of the Houston and Texas Central Railway in the nearby town of Courtney to the west, the community of Retreat also had access to a railroad station. The post office closed in 1867 but was reestablished in 1872. More settlers moved to Retreat after the Civil War, and a number of African-American families including the Bennetts, Hearnes, Pratts, and Coopers farmed in the area. By the mid-1880s Retreat had a population of seventy-five. Joseph Clark was postmaster and operated a general store. The town also had a cotton gin, steam gristmill, church, and school. By the late 1890s the population was fifty. In 1915 the Retreat school district was consolidated with the nearby White Hall district. An African-American school operated in the vicinity in the early 1900s, and black residents built Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Farming remained a mainstay of the community in the early twentieth century, and highway maps in the 1930s still showed numerous dwellings in the region. By the 1980s, however, only two families lived in Retreat. No population figures were available in 1990 or 2000. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Grimes County Historical Commission, History of Grimes County, Land of Heritage and Progress (Dallas: Taylor, 1982).

White Hall School

As communities were developed by early settlers in Texas, small rural schools were established. Primarily serving farm families, the schools were often closed when children were needed to help harvest crops or perform other farm chores. A number of such rural schools were established in Grimes County. White Hall School opened in 1913, following the consolidation of three earlier schools: East Academy, West Academy, and Retreat. Located at this site, the first White Hall School building was a two-story frame structure. A community gathering place, it hosted civic as well as scholastic activities. Many local residents credit the school with promoting a sense of community when the children of pioneer Anglo families and those of German immigrant families attended classes together during the time of the first World War. After serving the community through the difficult years of the Depression and two World Wars, White Hall School was closed in 1949. The school building was acquired by the White Hall Taxpayers Association in 1954. It was razed and a new community center was erected on the site in 1959.

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Lynn Grove

Lynn Grove is that part of Southern Grimes County along and mainly to the east of Highway 6 from Grassy Creek to the Waller County line. It is bordered to the west by Courtney and on the east by White Hall and Retreat. The community of Lynn Grove got its name from the many Lynn (Linden) trees that were plentiful in the forest that originally covered most of the land. A large portion of the Lynn trees were destroyed by the hurricanes of 1900 and 1915. It is told that after the storm of 1915 it would have been possible for one to walk over half a mile on fallen trees without touching the ground. Since that time only one other major storm has hit the area and that was Hurricane Carla in 1961. Much of Lynn Grove is in the Jared E. Groce survey. This land was deeded to Groce by the Mexican Government in 1823. Part of the land has been settled and cultivated since that time, but the main thrust of settlement came between the Civil War and about 1915. Between World War I and World War II the area lost population. After World War II the population stabilized and now is growing slightly. Some of the land in Lynn Grove was part of the Dugald McAlpine estate. McAlpine deeded land for a colored church in about 1872. This church, known as Mt. Pleasant is the oldest church in the area. The Lynn Grove Methodist Church was organized in 1888 and a permanent building erected about 1892. The land for the church was deeded by J. H. Muldrew to G. G. Vickers, J. L. Shine and Z. S. Weaver, trustees. The pews still in use in the present building were made by Z. S. Weaver from clear pine boards about 18 inches wide and 1 1/2 inches thick. This church has been continuously active since 1888. Roy S. Weaver served as a Sunday School Superintendent from 1917 until his death in 1978. The first school in the area was West Academy. It was in operation during the 1870’s and 1880’s. The school was located about a quarter mile north of what is now FM 2988 on Elm Grove Creek. A school was built across the road from the Lynn Grove Methodist Church about 1893. One of the early teachers was Lon Lewis. In 1913 Lynn Grove School was moved about 1 mile north on land donated by B. I. Binford where it continued to operate until the district was consolidated with Navasota in 1951. At first the school had grades 1 through 8. In about 1928 it was cut back to 7 grades and a bus took those who went to high school to Navasota. Some of the early teachers

were Mr. Poor, T. S. Van Burkleo, Tommy Mize, Gussie Oliphant Harris, Erin Simpson, Trannie Franklow, Winnie Harris, Ruth Meads Weaver, Kathleen Weaver, Mrs. G. C. Harris Sr., Lillie Mae Abercrombie, Robbie Ora Beach, Madge Hutson. Some of the early settlers were Vickers, Muldrew, Bunting, Weaver, Somerford, Harris, Shine, Lewis, Carter, Sullivan, Fahey, Batts, Keelan, Johnson, Cook, Bush, Mason and Binford. Others who followed soon after included Mitchell, Thane, Borgstedde, Hafercamp, Abercrombie. Some of the leading black families were Webster, West, Steptoe, Kelley, Wheatfall, Nelms, Thornton, Pratt and Oakes. The early settlers were of course almost all farmers. The principal crops were cotton, corn and hay. Families were usually large, but even though children worked from an early age, farms were usually small because of the large amount of labor required for non-mechanized farming. Most hill tops in the area show the remains of chimneys with well curbs of hand dug wells still visible at many house sites. Most of these wells were between 15 and 60 feet deep and supplied plenty of water until the advent of washing machines, etc. Large gardens were the rule and the principal foods were potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, tomatoes, black eye and cream peas, mustard greens, turnips, green beans and pinto beans. Pork and chicken were the most often used meats. Because of the lack of refrigeration, beef was not a staple item. Hogs were killed on cold days when the meat could be chilled. Neighbors would gather to help with the butchering and the parts of the meat that were not easily cured or made into sausage were distributed to nearby families. Sorghum and ribbon cane were grown and syrup made. Zach and Florence Weaver received ten colonies of bees for a wedding present in 1888 and soon had a flourishing honey business. Members of the Weaver family who made beekeeping their principal occupation were their sons, grandsons and great grandson. Roy Stanley, Binford and Richard have Weaver Apiaries at Lynn Grove, while Howard, Billy Howard and Morris have Howard Weaver and Sons, on old Highway 6 south of Navasota. Except for the homes near Highway 6, most of the area was without telephone service until the late 1930’s, and without electricity until the 1940’s. Since that time most homes have been thoroughly modernized. Because of the beauty of the area and the quality of live, Lynn Grove has become increasingly popular as a retirement spot or a weekend home for Houston residents. Written by Binford Weaver

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Twilight*Firelight at the Fanthorp Inn Anderson, Texas.

Saturday, November 26, 2016 4:30pm to 7:00pm

Begin your holiday season in the 1850s at Fanthorp Inn! Fanthorp Inn kicks off the holiday season with a journey back to the 1850s where visitors will enjoy the ambiance of the candle-lit inn, period music, dancing, stagecoach rides and a host of living history characters. Tickets can be purchased in downtown Anderson the night of the event where you will board the coach and travel down Main Street to Henry Fanthorp's Inn. Suggested donation is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Event is subject to cancellation due to the weather. Inns, like Henry Fanthorp’s, were places where news from far away was spread, ideas were exchanged and communities developed. Visitors can tour this historic inn restored to its 1850s appearance, ride a replica stagecoach, enjoy period music, visit with interpreters in period clothing and learn about this exciting site that is so rich with history and culture. Twilight*Firelight includes stagecoach rides from the courthouse square in Anderson to Fanthorp Inn. This program is open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information contact Jon Failor at (936) 878-2214 ext. 224 or jon.failor@tpwd.texas.gov

Christmas on the Brazos

Saturday, December 10, 2016 Washington on the Brazos Site

Begin the holiday season by spending special time at Washington on the Brazos. Activities commence in the early afternoon and extend into the evening, bringing a sense of the holiday spirit alive for all. An Afternoon with Dickens, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Independence Hall: Staff dressed in period clothing will be regaling visitors with tales of Olde Time Christmas as told by the great author, Charles Dickens! Christmas Lore and Traditions, 4 p.m. – Independence Hall: History is not only about battles, dates and names but also touches on the special times in peoples’ lives, and Christmas is one of those very special times! With this program we discover how people embraced the holy day in the early Texas. The Star of the Republic Museum will host “make-and-take” period crafts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Regular admission fees apply; no charge for the crafts. Museum will be open during regular hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Barrington Living History Farm will be open from noon until 3 p.m. and then will reopen for its Candlelight Christmas event that starts at 5:30 p.m. and lasts until 9 p.m. Regular admission fees will apply. Candlelight Christmas, 5:30 p.m. – Barrington Farm: Program offered at timed intervals with last ticket sold at 8 p.m. Celebrate an 1850s Christmas. Meet St. Nick; fall in with some noisy, rowdy revelers; experience the Jones family lighting the Christmas tree and singing carols; attend an evening service with a traveling minister; and discover how the enslaved people celebrated Christmas. Allow at least one hour to complete the full experience. Groups will enter the site at timed intervals. Reservations are highly recommended and will be accepted starting November 1st.

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History of Thanksgiving

In the United States, the modern Thanksgiving holiday tradition is commonly, but not universally, traced to a sparsely documented 1621 celebration at Plymouth in present-day Massachusetts. The 1621 Plymouth feast and thanksgiving was prompted by a good harvest. Pilgrims and Puritans who began emigrating from England in the 1620s and 1630s carried the tradition of Days of Fasting and Days of Thanksgiving with them to New England. Several days of Thanksgiving were held in early New England history that have been identified as the "First Thanksgiving", including Pilgrim holidays in Plymouth in 1621 and 1623, and a Puritan holiday in Boston in 1631.

According to historian Jeremy Bangs, director of the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, the Pilgrims may have been influenced by watching the annual services of Thanksgiving for the relief of the siege of Leiden in 1574, while they were staying in Leiden.[10] Now called Oktober Feesten, Leiden's autumn thanksgiving celebration in 1617 was the occasion for sectarian disturbance that appears to have accelerated the pilgrims' plans to emigrate to America.[11] Later in Massachusetts, religious thanksgiving services were declared by civil leaders such as Governor Bradford, who planned the colony's thanksgiving celebration and fast in 1623. The practice of holding an annual harvest festival did not become a regular affair in New England until the late 1660’s.

Thanksgiving proclamations were made mostly by church leaders in New England up until 1682, and then by both state and church leaders until after the American Revolution. During the revolutionary period, political influences affected the issuance of Thanksgiving proclamations.

Various proclamations were made by royal governors, John Hancock, General George Washington, and the Continental Congress, each giving thanks to God for events favorable to their causes. As President of the United States, George Washington proclaimed the first nationwide thanksgiving celebration in America marking November 26, 1789, "as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favours of Almighty God".

The traditional representation of where the first Thanksgiving was held in the United States has often been a subject of boosterism and debate, though the debate is often confused by mixing up

the ideas of a Thanksgiving holiday celebration and a Thanksgiving religious service. According to author James Baker, this debate is a "tempest in a beanpot" and "marvelous nonsense". Local boosters in Virginia, Florida, and Texas promote their own colonists, who (like many people getting off a boat) gave thanks for setting foot again on dry land.

These claims include an earlier religious service by Spanish explorers in Texas at San Elizario in 1598, as well as thanksgiving feasts in the Virginia Colony. Robyn Gioia and Michael Gannon of the University of Florida argue that the earliest Thanksgiving service in what is now the United States was celebrated by the Spanish on September 8, 1565, in what is now Saint Augustine, Florida. A day for Thanksgiving services was codified in the founding charter of Berkeley Hundred in Charles City County, Virginia in 1619. According to Baker, "Historically, none of these had any influence over the evolution of the modern United States holiday. The American holiday's true origin was the New England Calvinist Thanksgiving. Never coupled with a Sabbath meeting, the Puritan observances were special days set aside during the week for thanksgiving and praise in response to God's providence."

Thanksgiving in the United States was observed on various dates throughout history. From the time of the Founding Fathers until the time of Lincoln, the date Thanksgiving was observed varied from state to state. The final Thursday in November had become the customary date in most U.S. states by the beginning of the 19th century. Thanksgiving was first celebrated on the same date by all states in 1863 by a presidential proclamation of Abraham Lincoln. Influenced by the campaigning of author Sarah Josepha Hale, who wrote letters to politicians for around 40 years trying to make it an official holiday, Lincoln proclaimed the date to be the final Thursday in November in an attempt to foster a sense of American unity between the Northern and Southern states. Because of the ongoing Civil War and the Confederate States of America's refusal to recognize Lincoln's authority, a nationwide Thanksgiving date was not realized until Reconstruction was completed in the 1870s.

On December 26, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a joint resolution of Congress changing the national Thanksgiving Day from the last Thursday in November to the fourth Thursday. Two years earlier, Roosevelt had used a presidential proclamation to try to achieve this change, reasoning that earlier celebration of the holiday would give the country an economic boost.